Transepithelial Corneal Cross-Linking With Vitamin E-Enhanced Riboflavin Solution and Abbreviated, Low-Dose UV-A: 24-Month Clinical Outcomes

Ciro Caruso, Carmine Ostacolo, Robert L Epstein, Gaetano Barbaro, Salvatore Troisi, Decio Capobianco, Ciro Caruso, Carmine Ostacolo, Robert L Epstein, Gaetano Barbaro, Salvatore Troisi, Decio Capobianco

Abstract

Purpose: To report the clinical outcomes with 24-month follow-up of transepithelial cross-linking using a combination of a D-alpha-tocopheryl polyethylene-glycol 1000 succinate (vitamin E-TPGS)-enhanced riboflavin solution and abbreviated low fluence UV-A treatment.

Methods: In a nonrandomized clinical trial, 25 corneas of 19 patients with topographically proven, progressive, mild to moderate keratoconus over the previous 6 months were cross-linked, and all patients were examined at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. The treatments were performed using a patented solution of riboflavin and vitamin E-TPGS, topically applied for 15 minutes, followed by two 5-minute UV-A treatments with separate doses both at fluence below 3 mW/cm(2) that were based on preoperative central pachymetry.

Results: During the 6-month pretreatment observation, the average Kmax increased by +1.99 ± 0.29 D (diopter). Postoperatively, the average Kmax decreased, changing by -0.55 ± 0.94 D, by -0.88 ± 1.02 D and by -1.01 ± 1.22 D at 6, 12, and 24 months. Postoperatively, Kmax decreased in 19, 20, and 20 of the 25 eyes at 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months, respectively. Refractive cylinder was decreased by 3 months postoperatively and afterward, changing by -1.35 ± 0.69 D at 24 months. Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) improved at 6, 12, and 24 months, including an improvement of -0.19 ± 0.13 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution units at 24 months. There was no reduction in endothelial cell count. No corneal abrasions occurred, and no bandage contact lenses or prescription analgesics were used during postoperative recovery.

Conclusions: Transepithelial cross-linking using the riboflavin-vitamin E solution and brief, low-dose, pachymetry-dependent UV-A treatment safely stopped keratoconus progression.

Conflict of interest statement

R. L. Epstein has received consultation fees from I.R.O.S. in the past, although not for the preparation of this article. C. Caruso and S. Troisi are owners of patent EP 2459 186B1 concerning the vitamin E-TPGS–enhanced riboflavin solution used in this work. The remaining authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Silicone ring during corneal presoak.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Average Kmax value ± 1 SD over time 6 months and 1 week before corneal cross-linking and then at follow-up examinations at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively.

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Source: PubMed

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